Celebrating Every Life, Supporting Every Memory

Dignity Memorial®, the leading provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services in North America, joined the Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter as a sponsor of the 2024 Essex-Hudson-Union Walk to End Alzheimer's® held on September 29 at South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

The collaboration with the two organizations began when Cheryl Ricci-Francione, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter met, Matthew Marini, Family Service Counselor, from Dignity Memorial. “As our conversation deepened, it became increasingly evident that the missions of both the Alzheimer’s Association and Dignity Memorial align beautifully,” said Matthew. “While the Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to preserving and saving memories, Dignity Memorial is committed to honoring and celebrating them.”

Cheryl Ricci-Francione added, “It is so important for our NJ families to be empowered with advanced planning options, which align with their loved ones' wishes.”

With over 1,900 providers in North America, serving families is Dignity Memorial’s passion, commitment and expertise.

“As funeral professionals, it’s vital that we find meaningful ways to give back to the communities that depend on us,” said Marini.

The fight to end this disease is personal for some Dignity Memorial associates who participated in the walk, including Rayshel Campana, a Family Service Counselor for Dignity Memorial.

“I lost my grandmother to this disease when I was a teenager, and now, my mother is living with mild dementia,” said Campana. “Participating in this walk is my way of honoring my grandmother’s memory, supporting my mother and representing the countless families I’ve supported as a funeral director who are or have been affected by Alzheimer’s.”

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, including nearly 190,000 New Jerseyans– a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias which includes 272,000 in New Jersey.

“Dignity Memorial is a proud first-year sponsor of the Walk and looks forward to a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Supporting research, awareness and care initiatives through events like this Walk is crucial,” Campana said. “It’s important to me to contribute to the fight against this disease in any way I can, with the hope that one day, we can find a cure and spare future generations from its devastating effects."

Even though the Walk has taken place, participation and fundraising continues through December 31. To learn more, or donate, go to https://bit.ly/44EbLlL.